The gross α and β radioactivity levels of drinking water source in one oil industrial city in northeast China

Objective

To investigate the gross α and β radioactivity levels of drinking water source in the city, the largest oil field production base in northeast China, in order to ensure the safety of drinking water and public health.

Methods

The water samples from three drinking water sources were collected and tested in the dry and wet season, respectively. The gross α radioactivity was measured by standard curve method, gross β was measured by thin sample method.

Results

Totally 184 samples were collected from the three sampling areas in dry and wet season respectively. The average values of gross α and β radioactivity levels in the drinking water source area were (0.24±0.09) and (0.30±0.17) Bq/L respectively. The average activity concentration of gross α and gross β in the dry season was (0.23±0.09) and (0.29±0.18) Bq/L, respectively. The gross α and β radioactivity levels gradually decreased from the intake to the end of the reservoir of drinking water source areas.

Conclusions

The gross α and β radioactivity levels and distribution of drinking water source areas in this city were all lower than the drinking water limit issued by China and the reference level recommended by the World Health Organization. The radioactivity of water body of the drinking water source was within the normal background level.